Mariah Honored As BMI Urban “Icon,” Lil Wayne’s YMCMB Crew Wins Big

It looks like Mariah Carey will have to make room on her already full trophy case. The Grammy-winning vocalist was given the “Icon” award at the BMI Urban Music Awards, while Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne and Drake took home top honors in rap.

Carey was awarded BMI “Urban Icon” for what the music publishing organization calls her “indelible influence on generations of music makers.” At the Awards ceremony, which took place Friday (Sept. 7th), she was treated with tributes and performances by longtime producer Jermaine Dupri,American Idol winner Fantasia, and R&B veterans Joe and Eric Benét.

“I’m sweating and crying … I don’t know which way I’m going. But I’m happy to be here,” Carey said during the Los Angeles event. “Oh my goodness, the singing tonight. I can’t thank you enough for doing something beautiful with the songs I wrote. I’m so humbled by this moment. A lot of people still don’t know I write my music. Singing material so close to my heart tonight … it has helped change my life.”

All around, the BMI Urban Music Awards was a big night for music industry’s bold names. Cash Money/Young Money artists Drake and Lil Wayne together picked up the award for “Urban Songwriters of the Year.”

The Toronto rapper has enjoyed a banner year by contributing to such hits as “Aston Martin Music,” “What’s My Name?,” “Headlines,” and labelmate Nicki Minaj’s “Moment 4 Life.”

Meanwhile Weezy dominated the charts with such tracks as “6 Foot 7 Foot,” and “How to Love,” as well as appearing on Drake’s “She Will,” Kelly Rowland’s “Motivation,” and Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now.”

Other highlights from the show included a tribute to late label and management executive Chris Lighty, led by hip-hop legend Nas and a “Song of the Year” win by YMCMB queen Nicki Minaj, who won for her massive pop-rap hit “Superbass.” —Keith Murphy, CBS Local